The information collection is requested to support the implementation of the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program, authorized in Section 211 of the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 (Pub. L. 112-56). This benefit directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in cooperation with the Department of Labor (DOL) to pay for up to 12 months of a training program in a high demand occupation for unemployed eligible veterans between the ages of 35 and 60 as determined by DOL and VA. The program is to serve up to 45,000 veterans in fiscal year 2012, beginning July 1, 2012, and up to 54,000 veterans from October 1, 2012, through March 31, 2014.
DOL is required under the law to be the initial point of intake and conduct preliminary eligibility determinations prior to linking the applicants to the VA Application for VA Educational Benefits form (OMB Control Number 2900-0154).
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.